EDDYVILLE — No one is ever too young to pursue their dreams, even if those dreams take them away from home and right in the middle of a political storm.

Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont student Devon Severson, 16, will be heading to Iowa’s capital in a few short weeks to work as a page for the Minority Leader in the Iowa House of Representatives.

A few years ago she would have never dreamed that she would be meeting influential players in the Democratic Party let alone getting a chance to talk
to a former first lady and presidential hopeful.

“It was not until I took a government class that I really got interested in politics.”

Severson first heard about the Page Program from her TAG teacher, but at the time, the deadline had already passed. When the position opened up again Severson jumped at the chance and got in.

Over the summer, she volunteered with the local branch of Hilary Clinton’s campaign office. In the fall, Severson was selected as a Fall Fellow for Clinton’s Iowa campaign which was a 10-week program that ended on Nov. 22. She even had the opportunity to attend the Jefferson-Jackson dinner back in October.

“I’m a self-described filthy liberal,” Severson joked. “Marriage equality and women’s rights are two very important issues to me.” She hopes that these opportunities will help her when it comes time for college.

Though Severson has not decided where she wants to apply, she hopes to pursue a degree in political science.

While in Des Moines, Severson will be staying with a host family and taking an online class to finish up the one credit she has left before graduation.
Severson’s page duties will include answering phones, filing, greeting people that come to the House along with other duties.

“I’m excited to be out on my own and have the opportunity to network and get an inside look at what goes on in politics.”

Story provided by Neal Querio